Islands of Indonesia

Got a hankering to see five Indonesian islands? On Komodo, you’ll spot the eponymous dragons and on Flores you’ll soak up the beautiful scenery and make friends with the denizens of Ngada village. And there’s so much more waiting for you on Bali and Lombok: Visiting tobacco plantations of Tetebatu, climbing towering volcanoes, and digging your feet into the white sand of pristine beaches in Gili Islands. With hotels, transport, and a number of included activities arranged by our CEOs, this adventure still allows plenty of free time to create your own highlights.

Look for Komodo dragons in the wild, meet the friendly people of Ngada village, explore Hindu temples, visit the tobacco plantations of Tetebatu, savour Balinese cuisine at a G for Good project, snorkel vibrant reefs and dig your feet into white sand.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

Lombok Earthquake: Effective for 2018 we are running an amended itinerary to south Lombok due to the earthquake that struck in early August. We are confident these itineraries are excellent alternatives and will match the quality and experience of the original tour. We hope to revert back to our original itinerary in north Lombok in 2019 and will continue to monitor the situation.

The majority of the tour remains unchanged, including the stay in Kuta, Sanur, Sengigi and doing the trek to Tetebatu. However, rather than staying in Gili Trawangan, you will now be staying in Sekotong at Cocotinos – a resort on the beach on the southwest corner of Lombok.

RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between May 5th and June 4th, 2019. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can’t at that time.

LUGGAGE
Domestic airlines on this itinerary enforce a maximum of 10kg for luggage. Based on the planeload it may be possible to pay for additional weight. Otherwise, additional luggage may be stored.

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 10

Meals Included

21 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private van, public bus, boat, ferry, plane, walking.

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

When arriving at Denpasar Airport in Bali you will want to exit Customs into the arrival hall. Once here, there are money changers but they do not offer the best rate, so its best to wait until you arrive in Sanur. There are ATMs available that distribute Indonesian Rupiah (the local currency).

If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer through G Adventures, we recommend taking a taxi. Once you have stepped outside, there is a taxi stand with set rate taxis to various destinations on the island. The prices are listed on the wall and can be paid in Rupiah or in US Dollars (your exchange rate will be slightly lower than what you will get in Sanur) Here you book and pay for your taxi and receive a voucher. They will then show you to your taxi.

The drive to Sanur is approximately 30 minutes, but can take much longer if the traffic is bad.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. Upon arrival to the Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar International Airport), walk out of the arrival terminal, turn left and walk through the Duty Free Shop. Once you come to the exit, you will see a sign for the toilets and the domestic terminal (pointing left). Please turn left immediately towards the toilets as indicated on the sign. After around 50 meters you will pass WH Smith Express just before the toilets. Please continue around 10 meters further, where our driver will wait near the entrance of the toilets. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.

A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the G Adventures Local Office or our G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below). If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. Air carriers we use on this itinerary have a 10kg for checked bag and 7kg for carry-on bag limit. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit with you in buses or on trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Indonesia now offers e-visa services to select nationals. Please check with your local consulate to see if the Indonesia e-visa process is valid per your nationality.

Please note that we always recommend all nationalities to check with their embassy about entry requirements to Indonesia. The situation with visas in Indonesia is changing frequently, and the below information is accurate as of June 19th, 2015.

A 30-day free visa is available at some arrival locations in Indonesia for many nationalities. This visa is non-extendable. This free visa is available at: Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport), Bali (Ngurah Rai Aiport), Medan (Kualanamu Airport), Surabaya (Juanda Airport) and Batam (Hang Nadim International Airport). All travelers to Indonesia must be in possession of passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival and have proof (tickets) of onward or return passage.

The nationalities below will be able to receive the 30-day free visa, however we always advise to check with your embassy to confirm entry requirements:

A 30-day visa-on-arrival is available at all international airports in Indonesia for USD 35. It is then possible to extend this visa for an additional 30 days at the immigration office. Official price is USD 35, extension takes a couple of days and can’t be processed at the airport. All travelers to Indonesia must be in possession of passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival and have proof (tickets) of onward or return passage. Payment of visa fees can be made in all major currencies (cash or credit card). However, to avoid any difficulties or abusive exchange rate problems, we highly recommend brining USD 35 in cash.

Visa extension can be done at the Immigration Office (Kuta in Bali) and will take approximately 7 working days. Cost is additional 35 USD for another 30 Days. Maximum stay is 60 Days

Travelers from all destinations not listed above must have their visa arranged in advance through their local consulate.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

PRODUCT_LINE: AEII, ID: 24346

Itinerary

Day 1: Sanur

Arrive at any time.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Day 2: Sanur/Ende (1B)

Hop on a plane to Ende, and visit the multi-coloured volcanic crater lakes of Kelimutu.

Included Activities:
Kelimutu Volcanic Crater Visit

Transport:
Local bus (0.75 hour(s))
Plane (3.00 hour(s))

Day 3: Ende/Bajawa (1B)

Travel to Bajawa, situated in the mountains, and enjoy the gorgeous views. In the afternoon, opt to visit Malanage Hot Springs.

Transport:
Private Vehicle (6.00 hour(s), 125km)

Day 4: Bajawa (1B)

Head out to visit traditional villages in Ngada. Meet with local tribes and learn more about the region’s architecture and way of life.

Included Activities:
Ngada Village Excursion
Bena Village Visit

Day 5: Bajawa/Ruteng (1B)

Drive inland to Ruteng and take in the stunning surrounding mountains. Check out the local markets in the area and eat some delicious local food. Opt to visit neighbouring Puu village.

Transport:
Today is a long travel day with a few breaks along the way to stretch your legs.
Private Vehicle (7.50 hour(s), 145km)

Day 6: Ruteng/Labuan Bajo (1B)

A small fishing village on the island of Flores, Labuan Bajo, is an idyllic setting. Head out for an afternoon on Pede or Binonko Beach, go kayaking, relax with a massage or just meander through the markets, cafes and waterfront of this busy fishing town. At dusk, keep an eye out for flying fox bats.

Transport:
Private Vehicle (5.00 hour(s), 120km)

Day 7: Labuan Bajo (1B, 1L, 1D)

Enjoy lunch and snorkelling at Pink Beach. Return to Labuan Bajo as the sun sets with an included dinner on board.

Included Activities:
Rinca & Komodo Island Boat Trip

Day 8: Labuan Bajo/Sanur (1B)

Catch a flight back to Bali. Enjoy another night in paradise.

Transport:
Plane (1.50 hour(s))

Day 9: Sanur (1B)

New travellers may join the tour today. You are welcome to join them for an optional welcome dinner in the evening.

Included Activities:
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

Day 10: Sanur/Munduk (1B, 1D)

Visit the Lake Danu Bratan Temple and take a walk through the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces before arriving at the guesthouse in Munduk. Enjoy some delicious Balinese cuisine.

Day 11: Munduk/Kintamani (1B)

Arrive in Kintamani with its breathtaking views of Lake Batur and the Batur crater. Take a wander through town and mix with the locals, visit the market, and marvel at the variety of local produce for sale. Stop for lunch at a black sand beach.

Included Activities:
Local Hot Springs Visit

Transport:
Private Vehicle (2.00-2.50 hours, 70km)

Day 12: Kintamani/Ubud (1B, 1L)

Opt for a sunrise hike to the top of Mt Batur before travelling to the cultural heart of Bali, stopping for lunch at the G Adventures supported-Bali Community Training Lunch Program. Arrive in Ubud in the late afternoon for an orientation walk and some free time.

Included Activities:
Bali Community Training Lunch Program
Orientation Walk

Transport:
Private Vehicle (1.00-2.00 hours, 35km)

Day 13: Ubud (1B)

Enjoy a free day to explore exactly what interests you in Ubud. Opt to visit the Monkey Forest, numerous temples, rice paddies, and markets. In the evening, opt to take in a traditional Kecak dance performance.

Day 14: Ubud/Candidasa (1B)

Visit Kerta Gosa, the historic court of justice, before the journey to Candidasa, a superb beach location perfect for relaxing.

Included Activities:
Kerta Gosa Visit

Transport:
Private Vehicle (1.50-2.00 hours, 43km)

Day 15: Candidasa (1B)

New travellers may join today for the Lombok portion of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Included Activities:
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

Day 16: Candidasa/Kuta (1B)

Arrive at the shores of Lombok and head to a traditional Sasak village. Meet the locals and learn more about their unique culture and way of life. Continue on to Kuta for the night.

Day 17: Kuta (1B)

Enjoy a full day exploring the area around Kuta. Opt for a surf lesson or visit one of the beautiful beaches nearby.

Day 18: Kuta/Senggigi (1B)

Enjoy a spectacular drive through the middle of Lombok. Stop at the Tetebatu community and enjoy an easy trek through the surrounding rice fields led by a local guide. Continue on to Senggigi for the night.

Day 19: Senggigi/Gili Trawangan (1B)

Drive to the coast and hop on a ferry to Gili and settle in for a few days on the islands. The Gilis are paradise incarnate with a tiny population, no cars, and gorgeous white-sand beaches.

Additional Notes:
Please note there is limited fresh water available on the Gilis and electricity is supplied by generators. Showers often use desalinated salt water and rooms are typically fan-cooled (no air conditioning).

Day 20: Gili Trawangan (1B)

Enjoy a half-day snorkelling trip and check out what’s living under the sea. The rest of the day is free for exploring. Opt to rent a bike and cycle around the island, visit the shopping area, or try some yoga.

Included Activities:
Snorkelling Excursion

Day 21: Gili Trawangan/Sanur (1B)

Spend the final evening with an optional dinner together, reflecting on the adventure under a beautiful Balinese sunset.